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Cards to offer B. Molina assistant hitting coach job

Cards to offer B. Molina assistant hitting coach job

10/19/10: Bengie Molina cranks a three-run jack inside the left-field foul pole, powering the Rangers ahead in the top of the sixth inning

By Jenifer Langosch
/
MLB.com |

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Cardinals intend to make an offer to Bengie Molina, the older brother of catcher Yadier Molina, in order to make him the team's new assistant hitting coach, a source confirmed to MLB.com. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch first reported the club's intentions.

The organization's search for a second hitting coach began when John Mabry moved up to replace Mark McGwire in the top spot. McGwire turned down the Cardinals' offer to return in order to join the Dodgers, who offered him the same position with much better proximity to his family.

Since learning of McGwire's intentions to leave, Mabry and manager Mike Matheny have led the organization in identifying both internal and external candidates for the position.

Bengie Molina, who finished his 13-year playing career in 2010, has never held a professional coaching position and was known particularly for his defensive ability during his career. He won a pair of Gold Glove Awards with the Angels and played with four Major League clubs.

Molina finished his career with a .274 batting average and .307 on-base percentage. He drove in at least 80 runs in three different seasons and had seven years with at least 14 home runs.